Turning Point?

Ndamukong Suh is not human.

The Detroit Lions 44-6 destruction of the Rams today marks their largest margin of victory in 15 years but maybe also the turning point for the beleaguered franchise that has been hamstrung by incompetent ownership and management for the better part of two decades.

Detroit (1-4) hadn’t won since Nov. 22, 2009 but could easily be 4-1 at this point — losing by five, three and two points in three of their first four games.  This includes the infamous and ludicrous “process” game that Bears fans even admit they should have lost.  Last week’s game at Green Bay should’ve been their fist road win in almost three years as the Lions dominated almost every statistical category over the Packers but made just one too many critical mistakes.

This 2010 edition resembles nothing of the 0-16 team from two years ago in terms of both personnel and attitude.  Beyond the positive wining atmosphere coach Jim Schwartz has cultivated, this team actually has talent on both sides of the ball.  Not only does the team boast emerging offensive superstars like Calvin Johnson and Jahvid Best, but the additions of Kyle Vanden Bosch and Ndamukong Suh with his once-in-a-generation type talent give the Lions the stout defensive line they’ve been lacking for years.  Oh yeah, and there’s that Stafford guy who could be ready to come back as soon as next week.

Granted, the Rams are not the caliber of competition that the Lions will need to beat to become contenders in the NFC, but it’s a start.  There are a lot of positives to build on from this and, above all, Lions fans have reason to hope for the first time in far too long. And according to Red from Shawshank Redemption, “hope is a dangerous thing.”